NEW DELHI: On June 26, which happens to be the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Supreme Court of Brazil voted to decriminalise the possession of marijuana for personal use.
Here is a list of 15 countries where the use of cannabis – also called weed, pot or ganja – has been entirely or partially legalised:
Uruguay
In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to completely legalise the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. President José Mujica signed legislation to legalise the use of the drug in order to fight drug-related crime and health issues. This move came as an attempt to reduce organised crime in relation to the trade of cannabis by establishing accountable state regulation, according to the BBC.
Canada
The use of cannabis was legalised in Canada in 2018 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The government of Canada legalised, regulated and restricted access to cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes. This move came as a result of the century-old laws criminalising marijuana use being considered inefficient, given that Canadians are still among the world’s heaviest users, according to the BBC. As of 2019, most provinces in Canada have storefronts as well as online vendors selling cannabis.
The Netherlands
Cannabis was decriminalised in 1972 when the government classified drugs into more and less dangerous categories, with cannabis being in the less dangerous category. Recreational use of cannabis is tolerated, with the drug being available in local ‘coffeeshops’ for consumption by the public. However, production, transportation and bulk possession of marijuana outside of retail stores is illegal.
Germany
Germany has very recently legalised cannabis for recreational usage by adults (aged 18 and over). Since April 1, 2024, it has been legal for adults to possess 25 g or less of cannabis in public. However, legal licensed sales of cannabis through retail stores or online is prohibited.
Thailand
In 2018, Thailand became the first Asian nation to legalise the medicinal use of cannabis. The use of cannabis for personal recreational purposes is legal in private areas, but is prohibited in public areas by the Public Health Act of 1992. However, Thailand will re-list cannabis as a narcotic by the year-end, its prime minister said last month.
Mexico
In June 2021, the Supreme Court of Mexico decriminalised the recreational use of cannabis. The legislation allows users with a permit to carry up to 28g. Those who support the legislation hope it could reduce some of the violence related to the illegal drug trade, which claims thousands of lives in the country every year, according to the BBC.
The United States of America
Marijuana is illegal federally, but in most American states, it is available for adult medical or recreational use. As of 2023, a total of 24 and Washington DC have passed legal adult recreational use policies, while in 38 states and Washington DC, voters have approved comprehensive medical programmes, according to CNN.
Malta
In 2021, Malta became the first country in the European Union to legalise the cultivation and personal use of marijuana. Adults are allowed to carry up to 7 g of cannabis and grow no more than four plants at home but smoking it in public or children is illegal, according to the BBC.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg became the second country in the European Union to legalise the possession and cultivation of cannabis after Malta. The legalisation of adult-use cannabis in Luxembourg allows for the possession, cultivation and consumption of up to 3 g. However, possession, cultivation and transportation of the drug in public remains prohibited
Israel
Israel partially decriminalised the use of marijuana in 2019. Under the new guidelines, possession of small amounts of the drug in private homes will no longer be treated as an offence. In public, an individual in possession of the drug will be fined for up to two times for committing the offence within five to seven years before facing criminal investigation, according to The Times of Israel.
Portugal
Cannabis in Portugal is decriminalised, as a result of all drugs being decriminalised in Portugal in 2001. Medical use of cannabis was legalised in 2018. Possession of cannabis is decriminalised in amounts for personal use. In 2001, Portugal decriminalised all illegal drugs, meaning that possession of personal amounts is not subject to penalty for a first time offence.
Colombia
Cannabis in Colombia is fully legal for medical, and industrial purposes. Cannabis for recreational purposes is partially legal: self cultivation, possession and consumption is legal but commercialisation is illegal.
Spain
The use of cannabis products is decriminalised for personal cultivation and use, and other purposes other than sale or trade. It is illegal for trade or commercial purposes.
Jamaica
Cannabis in Jamaica was illegal, but in 2015, the legislature voted to reduce the possession of small amounts of the drug to a minor offence. Internationally, cannabis consumption plays an important role in the nation’s public image, being tied to cultural touchstones such as reggae music.
The following countries have legalised cannabis for medical use – Albania, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, the U.K., Norway, Argentina, Australia and Greece. And, did you know, that in India, a few states have legalised controlled cannabis cultivation for industrial purposes? There are also websites where people can buy cannabis infused medicines on producing prescriptions.
Agencies

KR Desk